Are You Wasting Cash on Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?

Big-box stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers have made it easier than ever to buy over-the-counter hearing devices or personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), but… not so fast! For hearing loss, the help of a trained hearing care professional stands head and shoulders above self-treatment, which can cause more harm than good.

Though potentially helpful in normal hearing to amplify sounds in situations such as watching TV, listening for animals during outdoor recreation, or hearing a presenter who’s speaking some distance away, PSAPs can’t take the place of properly fit hearing aids.

What Are the Pros and Cons of PSAPs?

Some benefits:

Relatively inexpensive

Can amplify soft sounds that might otherwise be harder to hear

Made with recreational activities in mind, thus supporting active lifestyles

Designed to wear immediately after purchase, making them convenient

Might serve as a short-term alternative while considering more comprehensive solutions

Some limitations:

Neither FDA-approved or recommended to treat actual hearing loss

Can amplify sound but cannot help your brain process sound

Often uncomfortable in the ear, and for many patients they’re difficult to manage

Could cause hearing damage or aggravate existing damage with misuse or overuse

Bypasses the crucial step of professional testing, programming, fitting, and follow-up to rule out hearing problems and ensure the device is appropriate for your ears

What Should You Do?

In a report released by the National Academy of Sciences, panelists noted the need for “qualified providers and clinics with the knowledge, skill, and expertise to properly evaluate, prescribe, and train people in the use of hearing devices” and also concluded that “consumers who work with providers trained in the use of properly prescribed and fitted hearing devices can expect better results than those who use off-the-shelf products.”

Don’t leave your hearing health to chance. Work with a licensed hearing care professional trained to test your hearing, diagnose potential problems, and tailor a solution to your individual needs. Hearing loss not only involves one of your most important senses but can affect your physical, social, mental, and even financial health, making effective evaluation and treatment critical.

Do you have questions about over-the-counter hearing products, including whether they’re right for you? Our caring team can answer your questions and work with you to find the best solution for your listening needs. Contact us today for an appointment!

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Morgan Hill, CA

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